Petite Financiers

Financiers are small french cakes, known for their delicious butter-caramelized flavor. They contain almond and are shaped as rectangles, some believe to resemble gold bars. They became popular in the financial district of Paris surrounding Paris stock exchange.

These mini nibbles are a perfect compliment with tea fresh off the oven. Easy, quick, and most importantly contain protein (egg whites).

Method:

-Caramelize the butter: melt the butter in a light colored small sauce pan. Cook it until it bubbles and keep cooking while swirling until the butter separates and the milky bits (white bits) disappear and the bottom of the pan turns brown. Pour 1/3 cup of the butter through the filter in a sieve and keep it to reach room temperature. Discard the filter.

-Mix the dry ingredients. Make a well and pour in the vanilla, beaten egg whites, and butter. Mix all together.

-Preheat oven to 200 C. Pour the batter into a piping bag/or spoon it/or use a normal zipbag while cutting the tip. Grease the pan with remaining butter, and fill the tartlets to top (this batter doesn’t rise).

-Place in the oven for 4 minutes. Take out and place topper on top (i.e. piece of almond) and place back in oven for 6 to 7 minutes. Until golden brown around the edges.